Globalization and Localization

Two popular Japanese baseball teams, Tigers and Giants declared that they got the permission to have  their opening game in CA, USA next season. Sports organizations in USA such as NBA,MLB, or NFL have held some sporting event in foreign countries. But it is the first trial for Japaneses baseball organization to hold official game in foreign country. It is innovative and I think this project should be done for the globalization.  Creating new market in USA is going to be very beneficial and the introduction will give potential American baseball fans the opportunity to become interested in Japanese baseball and Japan.

But many Japanese fans disagreed to this innovative project. Both of two teams that will hold the game are the most popular teams in Japan. They have bee rival for a long time and the tickets of their games are sold out every time. They are like Yankees and Redsox in MLB. So, Many baseball fans in Japan are excited to watch the their opening game. The game is just 1/144(Japanese Baseball team have 144 games throughout season) but opening game is special. However, they will miss the game. That's why people disagree. Sports should consider fans as more important than anything else. To satisfy more fans, it is natural to think the games should be held in Japan as usual.


We have to make sure that the globalization is important in sport, or any business field. It is innovative action and first step of introduction of NPB(Japanese Professional Baseball) to USA. I know many fans will miss the opening game which the fans expect after the long winter. But I agree the trial taking a long view of NPB's global development.

Sport is the reflection of the society

In the international sport contests, which people around the world watch, the players are representative of the country. For the people watching the game, the behavior of the players and the reaction of the media directly affect the image of the country. If the player and the media do well with sportsmanship, the country is also recognized as a respectable country, government, media and nation. However some players or media show immature attitude in the game and bring shame on the country.

In 3rd WBC, I saw a case that is a negative aspect of "Sport is the reflection of the society". It is South Korea's media reaction. South Korea lost in the 1st round in Taiwan and couldn't come to Tokyo 2nd round. Then, The president of KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) reacted on the Korean, Center Daily News(韓国・中央日報). He said"The players couldn't got used to lifestyle in Taiwan. And the equipment and environment for practice was terrible. They couldn't have enough relaxation time and food didn't suit them." What do you think about this comment? It may be the cultural difference. But these excuses never give good impression to people. When one lost, one should recognize the loss and motivate oneself for the next game. I believe this is the sportsmanship. At least people who know the comment don't respect it. And some people may think the country has same nature as the comment.

In the widely noticed contests, not only the players but also the staff and media should take care about their comment and behavior not to give negative impression to the world.

Sportmanship and Friendship

WBC, the only one official professional and international baseball tournament has finished with the victory of Dominican Republic. I have a lot of things about WBC to write, so I am still going to stay in the WBC world. Actually, the game that moved me most is neither the final nor the semi-final that Japan lost. The most impressive game was  the POOL 1 game by Taiwan, 1st of POOL B and Japan, 2nd of POOL. This game may have the surprisingly important meaning in terms of the friendship of the both countries.

The first thing moved me was the Japanese messages that appreciate the support of Taiwan for Japan. 2 years ago. Japan had a huge earthquake and TSUNAMI. over 20 thousands people died. Then, Taiwan was the country that donated to Japan most. However I want to say thank you to ALL countries and people that helped Japan in the situation, I also know people in Taiwan helped and Gave many messages to support us through Internet. Since that time, Japanese have wanted to say thank you to the friends in Taiwan in public. The THANK YOU messages include the love and appreciation.

The game was amazingly competitive and exciting. Sho Nakata's sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th inning lifted the defending champion Japan to the 2nd round in SF. Then, Taiwan was driven in the corner. They had to win the game against the Netherland to go to SF round. While Japanese players and fans were pleased, I watched the excellent behavior of Taiwan's players. At the center of the field, they bowed deeply to fans. when the team lost the important game, they are likely to behave abruptly. But they looked very polite.

After the game, the Japanese and Taiwanese fans hugged and praised each other. Some Taiwanese write "Congrats! Japan!! World Champion!!" on Taiwanese national flag. It is obvious that this game and behavior impacted people in both countries and made their friendship deeper.

Sport is"the reflection of the society". Sport can be the bridge between countries all over the world.

 

Japanse fans show the appreciation for 3.11 support